FREE CPL Flight Performance and Planning Questions and Answers

Question 1

A pilot is planning a VFR flight at night. According to regulations, what is the minimum fuel reserve required upon reaching the first point of intended landing?

Accepted Answer

Enough fuel to fly for an additional 45 minutes at normal cruising speed.

Answer

According to 14 CFR § 91.151, for a VFR flight at night, an aircraft must carry enough fuel to fly to the first point of intended landing and, assuming normal cruising speed, to fly after that for at least 45 minutes. The 30-minute requirement is for VFR flights during the day.

Question 2

A commercial pilot is preparing for a takeoff from a high-elevation airport on a hot day. How will the high density altitude affect the aircraft's takeoff performance?

Accepted Answer

It will decrease engine power and increase the takeoff roll.

Answer

High density altitude means the air is less dense. This reduces engine performance because the engine takes in less air, and it diminishes lift because there are fewer air molecules for the wings to act on. Consequently, the aircraft will require a longer ground roll to achieve the necessary lift for takeoff.

Question 3

During flight planning for a multi-engine aircraft, what does the term 'accelerate-stop distance' refer to?

Accepted Answer

The total distance required to accelerate to a specific speed (V1), experience an engine failure, and bring the aircraft to a complete stop on the remaining runway.

Answer

Accelerate-stop distance is a critical performance calculation for multi-engine aircraft. It is the total runway distance required to accelerate to the takeoff decision speed (V1), have the critical engine fail at that instant, and then abort the takeoff and bring the aircraft to a full stop.

Question 4

A pilot is using a takeoff performance chart that requires inputs for pressure altitude, temperature, weight, wind, and runway slope. If the runway has a 2% upslope, how will this affect the takeoff distance required?

Accepted Answer

It will increase the takeoff distance.

Answer

Taking off on a runway with an upslope requires the aircraft's engines to overcome both rolling friction and the force of gravity acting against the direction of motion. This results in slower acceleration and a longer ground roll to reach liftoff speed.

Question 5

Which of the following factors would cause a decrease in an aircraft's climb performance?

Accepted Answer

An increase in gross weight.

Answer

An increase in gross weight significantly decreases climb performance. A heavier aircraft requires more lift to overcome weight, which means it must fly at a higher angle of attack for a given speed. This increased angle of attack results in greater induced drag, leaving less excess power available for climbing.

(CPL) Commercial Pilot Licence Practice Test

(CPL) Commercial Pilot Licence Practice Test

FREE CPL Flight Performance and Planning Questions and Answers